Acts 9:20

KJV

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} straightway {G2112} he preached {G2784} Christ {G5547} in {G1722} the synagogues {G4864}, that {G3754} he {G3778} is {G2076} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and immediately he began proclaiming in the synagogues that Yeshua is the Son of God.

Berean Standard Bible

Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”

American Standard Version

And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:20 records the astonishing immediate aftermath of Saul's dramatic conversion, revealing his instantaneous transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians into an ardent proclaimer of Christ. Without delay, he began to preach boldly in the Jewish synagogues of Damascus, declaring the foundational truth that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, a radical departure from his former beliefs and actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct and powerful continuation of the narrative detailing Saul's life-altering encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus ([Acts 9:1-9](/acts/9-1-9 "Saul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus")). Following this blinding revelation, Saul was led into Damascus, where Ananias, a disciple, was divinely sent to restore his sight and baptize him ([Acts 9:10-19](/acts/9-10-19 "Ananias Heals and Baptizes Saul")). The phrase "straightway" in [Acts 9:20](/acts/9-20 "Acts 9:20 - Saul Preaches Christ") emphasizes the immediate and decisive nature of Saul's response to his conversion, highlighting that his new mission was not a gradual development but an instant, divinely-ordained calling. This sudden shift from persecutor to preacher serves as a dramatic climax to his conversion account and sets the stage for his future apostolic ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul, a devout Pharisee and Roman citizen from Tarsus, was an educated and influential figure within Judaism, known for his fervent commitment to the Mosaic Law and his zealous persecution of followers of "the Way" ([Acts 8:3](/acts/8-3 "Saul Persecutes the Church")). Synagogues were not merely places of worship but also community centers for Jewish life, learning, and debate. For Saul to preach in these very synagogues, where he likely once sought to arrest Christians, was an act of profound cultural and religious defiance. His message, "that he is the Son of God," was particularly provocative, as it asserted Jesus' divine nature, a claim that Jewish audiences, while anticipating a Messiah, often struggled to reconcile with their monotheistic understanding of God, and which they often considered blasphemous if applied to a human.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate proclamation of Jesus as the Son of God in [Acts 9:20](/acts/9-20 "Acts 9:20 - Saul Preaches Christ") powerfully underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Radical Transformation**, demonstrating God's sovereign power to convert even the most ardent opponents into His most dedicated servants, a truth echoed in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ"). Secondly, it exemplifies **Bold Proclamation**, as Saul, despite his notorious past and the inherent danger, immediately and courageously declares his newfound faith, reflecting the urgency and conviction of a genuine encounter with Christ. Thirdly, the core of his message—"that he is the Son of God"—establishes the **Divinity of Christ** as central to the early Christian message, a theological assertion foundational to the New Testament's understanding of Jesus' identity and mission, extensively developed in passages like [John 1:1-18](/john/1-1-18 "The Word Became Flesh") and [Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "The Supremacy of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb signifies immediacy, directness, and decisiveness. It conveys that Saul's action was not delayed or hesitant but was an instantaneous and resolute response to his conversion. It underscores the divine imperative and the profound impact of his encounter with Christ.
* **preached (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** Derived from the word for "herald," this verb describes a public, authoritative, and formal proclamation, much like a town crier announcing a royal decree. It implies a declaration of truth with conviction and a call to hear and respond, rather than a casual conversation or private sharing. Saul was not merely discussing Christ but publicly proclaiming Him.
* **Son (Greek, _huiós'_):: This term denotes kinship, often implying a unique relationship or identity. When applied to Jesus in the context of "Son of God," it carries profound theological weight, signifying His divine nature, unique relationship with the Father, and His inherent deity, not merely a human descendant or adopted child.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This refers to the supreme Divinity, the ultimate divine being. In the context of "Son of God," it affirms Jesus' shared essence and nature with the Father, establishing His co-equality and co-eternality within the Godhead.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And straightway he preached Christ":** This opening clause highlights the immediate and decisive action of Saul. The conjunction "And" connects it directly to his conversion and baptism. "Straightway" (euthéōs) emphasizes the instantaneous nature of his mission. "He preached" (ekēryssen, imperfect tense of kērýssō) indicates a continuous or repeated action of public proclamation. "Christ" (Christos), meaning "Anointed One" or "Messiah," was the central figure of his message, signifying that Jesus was the long-awaited deliverer.
* **"in the synagogues":** This phrase specifies the location of Saul's initial ministry. The synagogues were the traditional centers of Jewish worship, teaching, and community life. For Saul, a former persecutor, to preach in these very places was a bold and provocative act, demonstrating his complete reversal and confronting his former associates with the truth.
* **"that he is the Son of God.":** This final clause reveals the core content of Saul's message. The conjunction "that" (hóti) introduces the substance of his proclamation. "He is the Son of God" is a direct theological assertion of Jesus' divine identity. This was a profound and often controversial claim to Jewish audiences, affirming Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father and His supreme authority, going beyond merely identifying Him as the Messiah to declaring His inherent deity.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** to underscore the significance of Acts 9:20. **Dramatic Irony** is powerfully present: the man who came to Damascus with letters to arrest Christians now uses the same public forums (synagogues) to proclaim the very Christ he sought to destroy. This reversal creates a stark contrast that emphasizes the miraculous nature of his conversion. **Juxtaposition** is also evident, placing Saul's past zeal for persecution directly against his present zeal for proclamation. The adverb "straightway" serves as a device of **Emphasis**, highlighting the immediate and undeniable authenticity of Saul's transformation, leaving no room for doubt about the profound impact of his encounter with Christ. This rapid transition underscores the divine power at work and the urgency of the gospel message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:20 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God's transformative grace and the essence of the Christian message. It demonstrates that God's redemptive power can radically change anyone, regardless of their past opposition or sin, turning enemies into ardent advocates. Saul's immediate proclamation of Jesus as the "Son of God" establishes the divinity of Christ as a non-negotiable cornerstone of the gospel. This declaration was not merely a statement about Jesus' messianic identity but a profound assertion of His co-equality with God, a truth central to Christian theology and the basis for salvation. This verse underscores that a genuine encounter with the living Christ compels an immediate and bold witness to His true identity and saving power.

* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Paul's Renunciation of Past Gains")": Paul himself later reflects on counting his former advantages as loss for the sake of Christ, mirroring the radical shift seen in Acts 9:20.
* [Galatians 1:15-16](/galatians/1-15-16 "Paul's Divine Call"): Paul recounts how God, who set him apart from birth, revealed His Son to him so that he might preach Him among the Gentiles, highlighting the divine initiative behind his immediate commission.
* [Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Jesus, Son of God with Power"): This passage articulates the core truth of Jesus' identity as the Son of God, powerfully declared to be so by His resurrection from the dead, which forms the theological bedrock of Saul's proclamation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:20 serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace is boundless and transformative, capable of redeeming even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes. Saul's immediate and bold proclamation challenges believers today to embrace their own transformed identities in Christ and to share the truth of His divinity with courage and urgency, regardless of past failures or perceived obstacles. It calls us to overcome fear of rejection or past prejudices, recognizing that a genuine encounter with Jesus compels us to declare His identity as the Son of God. Just as Saul could not remain silent about the truth he had discovered, so too are we called to be immediate and decisive in our witness, allowing our changed lives to be a testament to the power of the gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to experience a "straightway" transformation, immediately aligning your actions with your faith?**
* **How does Saul's immediate proclamation challenge your own willingness to share the truth of Jesus Christ, particularly His divine nature, in your sphere of influence?**
* **What past experiences or fears might be hindering you from boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God, and how can you overcome them through God's grace?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul preach in the synagogues, given his past?**

Answer: Saul's decision to preach in the synagogues was strategically significant and deeply ironic. As a former Pharisee, he was intimately familiar with Jewish customs, scriptures, and modes of debate. The synagogues were the primary gathering places for Jewish communities, where the Scriptures were read and discussed, and where he himself had likely once condemned Christians. By returning to these familiar grounds, Saul directly confronted his former worldview and associates with the truth of Jesus, demonstrating the profound and undeniable change in his own life. It was a bold act, leveraging his past credibility within Judaism to present the radical new message of Christ.

**What was the significance of proclaiming Jesus as "the Son of God" to a Jewish audience?**

Answer: For a Jewish audience, the title "Son of God" was highly significant and often controversial. While they anticipated a Messiah, the concept of a "Son of God" could be interpreted in various ways, from a king in a special relationship with God (e.g., [Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "You are My Son")) to a divine being. Saul's proclamation went beyond merely identifying Jesus as the Messiah; it asserted His unique, divine nature and co-equality with God the Father. This claim was often perceived as blasphemous by those who held a strict monotheistic view of God, making Saul's message particularly challenging and revolutionary within the Jewish context. It was a direct theological assertion of Jesus' deity, a truth central to the Christian faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:20, with Saul's immediate and bold proclamation of Jesus as "the Son of God," serves as a pivotal moment underscoring the Christ-centered nature of the gospel. This declaration is the very heart of the New Testament message, revealing Jesus not merely as a prophet, teacher, or even a great king, but as the divine, pre-existent Son, sharing the very nature of God. Saul's newfound mission, born from a direct encounter with the resurrected Christ, immediately focused on this foundational truth, which is echoed throughout the New Testament. The apostle John emphasizes this in his Gospel, declaring that Jesus is the [Word who was with God and was God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), through whom all things were made. Paul himself would later articulate this profound truth in his epistles, such as in [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "The Supremacy of Christ"), where he describes Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, in whom all things hold together. The ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whose sacrificial death and glorious resurrection are the means by which humanity is reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "Reconciliation Through Christ")). Saul's immediate preaching in [Acts 9:20](/acts/9-20 "Acts 9:20 - Saul Preaches Christ") thus anticipates and establishes the core theological framework for the entire Christian message: salvation is found in believing in and proclaiming Jesus as the divine Son of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 20:28

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 1:23

But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

Galatians 1:24

And they glorified God in me.

1 John 4:14

¶ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world.

1 John 4:15

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Matthew 27:43

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.